“Yes, mommies do take care of their kids, but sometimes they need nannies to help.”
“So you’re going to leave us too?”
This kid was breaking my heart into a million pieces.
“Sweetie, I promise I’ll always be in your life.”
“With my daddy?”
“No, honey, not with your daddy.”
“You don’t love him?”
I opened my mouth to respond, but quickly shut it.
How do I answer that?
“Your daddy is my boss.”
“But Daddy told me you’re the love of his life, like Prince Eric is with The Little Mermaid.”
My eyes widened. “When did he say that to you?”
She scratched her little head. “I don’t remember.”
“Ariel, are you sure he said that to you?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“Was Ethan there as well?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know.”
Was this why Ethan thought I was his new mom?
“Your daddy and I have a very complicated relationship.”
“Daddy says he rescued you from a bad guy.”
“What else did he tell you?”
“That Uncle Jax is your brother, like Ethan is mine.”
“Okay, anything else?”
“Hmm…” She thought about it for a second. “That you’re beautiful and have a big heart. And that you would take care of us, so he didn’t have to worry because Grammy and Grampy can’t help him right now.”
I’d never met his parents before. Caleb didn’t talk about his family often. From my impression, I didn’t think they were close. At least not back then. To unexpectedly find out they were helping him raise his kids was eye-opening to hear.
How much did I not know about him?
“Was that all he told you?”
“No, he said you would love us too.”
I smiled. “Of course I do.”
“Does my mommy love us too?”
“Of course she does, sweetie.”
“How do you know?”
This was the longest conversation we’d ever had together. I wasn’t surprised Ariel’s vocabulary was prolific for a five-year-old. Everyone treated her and Ethan like adults.
“Because that’s what mommies do.”
“Do you have kids?”
“No.”
“How come?”
“I’ve never met the right person to have them with.”
“What about my daddy?”
For some reason, my eyes flew to the camera in the room.
Did Caleb put her up to this?
Staring straight into the camera, I repeated, “Honey, like I said, your daddy is just my boss.” Shifting my gaze back to Ariel, I reiterated, “But it has nothing to do with my love for you and Ethan. Or your mommy’s love for you two.”
“Okay, Miss Evie.” She giggled, “I mean, Evie.”
I beamed, finally feeling like I was getting somewhere with her.
“Can I have a hug?”
She nodded, throwing her arms around my neck before I could pull her into my chest.
“How about I read you a bedtime story?”
“Can you read Peppa Pig?” she questioned, looking at my face. “She’s my favorite.”
“Peppa Pig is my favorite too.”
I helped her off the counter as the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it!” Ethan exclaimed, rushing down the stairs.
“Ethan, wait for me!” I hurried after him at the exact moment he opened the door, revealing a man I’d never seen before.
“Uncle Joseph!” Ethan greeted, catching me by surprise.
Who’s Uncle Joseph?
Ariel hid behind my legs, seeking comfort from me for the first time.
“Hey there, princess. Don’t I get a hug?”
Ariel peered up at me, waiting for my approval. I nodded, giving her my okay. After she timidly hugged him, she wrapped her arms around my legs again, and I rubbed her head in a reassuring gesture.
“Hi, I’m Joseph.” He extended his hand. “Caleb’s brother.”
“Oh!” I replied, caught off guard. I shook his hand. “Hello, I’m Evie, the kids’ nanny.”
“Nice to meet you, Evie.”
“Likewise.”
There must have been something in the Hawkins’ genes. Joseph was as handsome as his brother. They both had dark hair, hazel eyes, and a killer smile.
“Come in.”
“Is Caleb around?”
“No. He’s at work.” I shut the door behind him. “Does he know you’re here to see him?”
“Not exactly.” He grabbed the back of his head. “I’ve learned over the years it’s just better if I surprise him.”
I nodded, unsure of what he meant by that.
“I don’t know what time he’ll be home, but you’re more than welcome to wait for him in the living room.”
“That’d be great, thanks.”
I let the kids catch up with their uncle for a little bit before putting them to bed. By the time I returned downstairs, it was after nine at night. Joseph was where I’d left him, sitting on the couch with Caleb nowhere to be found. He was gazing at his phone while the television was on.
“I wish I could tell you Caleb will be home soon, but I honestly have no idea what time he’ll be back.”
“It’s Caleb, so it’ll probably be late. Don’t feel pressured to keep me company, though. I can wait for him alone.”
“Well.” I smiled. “I haven’t had much adult conversation this last month, so if you don’t mind, I can wait with you.”
He gestured to the seat beside him. “By all means, Evie. I’d love your company.”
I smiled again, sitting down. Wanting to break the ice between us, I asked, “Do you live in Texas too?”